Shipping a Dredger

Dredging is the term meaning to take material underwater (bottom), and transfer it to another location within the same waterway or body of water - and it has many applications. It's also carried out by many different types of equipment, which fall into two main categories; either suction or mechanical ones. You may have an auger system, bucket, or backhoe dredger - or one of the other styles (1).

Types of Dredgers

They are built for sediment removal, which can be a combination of silt, debris, mud, clay, plants, and soil contaminants, in shallow or fresh waters. These sediments are removed to increase depth, ease navigation for boats, barges, water jets, and vessels on channels, canals, and waterways, enhance fishing, and replenish sand washed by erosion on beaches and seas.

Its uses also include environmental dredging, wet excavation projects, the creation and construction of new harbors, docks, piers, ports, and bridges, removal of contaminated sedimentation and pollutants from sea beds and shorelines, reclamation of areas damaged by oil spills, in gold and coal mining, and for maintenance.

They are built based on the specific functions they are expected to perform therefore they fall into two major categories: mechanical and hydraulic ones.

Mechanical Ones

They work based on the principle of "hand-packing". They are fitted with a bucket or grab to pack up material (earth) from a water body or seabed for deposition at a designated disposal site.

These include ]buckets (bucket and bucket ladder dredgers) as well as grab, backhoe, suction hopper, cutter suction dredges (CSD), etc.

Hydraulic Ones

Materials are picked by the suction inlet in a suspension form, powered by a pumping system that raises and feeds them through the pipe to outlet pipes. These are most suitable for moving fine materials as heavy gravels are difficult to move by the suspension.

Trailing hopper, Profile or plain suction, cutter suction(bucket ladder dredger)

OTHER

Other types of machines include jet-lift and air-lift, augur suction, land reclamation, vacuum and pneumatic, dipper, amphibious, clamshell, water injection dredgers, plow, and bed leveler. Some of the notable parts are chain, blade, spuds, cutter head, archimedean screw, etc.

Moving

The exact type, size, and weight of your particular equipment - will determine the best way to haul it. Built to float in shallow water, most will need substantial dismantling before delivery. However, if it can be floated to a traversable waterway, the water method may be possible.

Though your dredge may be able to travel under its power, this is often not feasible - as they're built to navigate smooth and shallow waters. They are also often painfully slow when attempting to traverse long distances.

We Have Many Options Available

Submersion boat hauling may be an option, where a boat is guided over a ship that's just below the water. Once it is safely in place, the submersion delivery empties the water in its ballast tanks and rises to the surface - with your dredge now in place on its deck.

Over-the-road Hauling

Other options may be appropriate instead, especially if you'll be scrapping it for parts or need parts brought in for repairs. The road method for this scenario will likely be the most economical and efficient solution.

Relevant Statistics

• The global industry is responsible for hauling over 2.5 billion metric tons of goods annually.
• Approximately 87% of all operations occur in coastal areas around the world.
• The average size of a ship is around 150 meters in length, capable of carrying up to 50,000 metric tons of cargo.
• Dredge moving contributes to roughly 15% of all international trade by volume.
• Over 95% of the world's largest ports rely on ships to maintain navigable waterways and harbor depths.

General Facts

• Dredge dispatching is a method used to haul sediments, rocks, or debris from one location to another using specialized ships.
• Moving plays a crucial role in maintaining navigable waterways by removing sediment buildup and ensuring safe passage.
• They typically use suction pipes or buckets to extract material from the seabed or riverbed and transfer it onto the craft.
• The material can be used for various purposes, such as land reclamation, beach nourishment, or construction projects.
• Delivery can improve water quality by removing contaminants and pollutants from the bottom of water bodies, promoting ecosystem health.

A Customized Plan

A1-AT can create a custom plan for your precise needs and equipment, and then execute it in a timely and professional manner. Our more than two decades of experience hauling large, heavy, and oversized machinery make us the logical choice. We offer full-service options like loading and unloading on-site, as well as bonus features like satellite tracking. We can help you move all kinds from one state to the other in the U.S. and across international boundaries.

We look forward to speaking with you about your land and maritime needs for your heavy equipment. Call today to get a free no-obligation quote, from one of our friendly moving experts.

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